Rubio Calls for Direct CIA Cooperation to Overhaul Cuban Government

Washington has traditionally maintained a careful distance from internal island politics, but that convention may be shifting.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly encouraged Cubans who desire political change to establish a direct working relationship with the Central Intelligence Agency. This move represents a notable escalation in the Trump administration's broader effort to displace the current government in Havana.

In a post on the social platform X on Friday, Rubio stated that the moment for action has arrived. He cited the widespread disappointment caused by broken promises, systemic corruption, and the privileged status of a small elite as driving factors. He specifically urged citizens to seize the opportunity to create the change they want through a discrete partnership with the CIA.

The intelligence agency quickly amplified the message by reposting the call to action. The CIA also published a similar appeal in Spanish, accompanied by a video that outlined the specific steps required for individuals to contact the agency.

This outreach coincides with severe economic hardship on the island, largely attributed to the strict U.S. embargo and sanctions regime designed to pressure the communist leadership. Prices for basic necessities have surged, and access to medical care has become increasingly difficult. Reports indicate that residents are waiting hours in long lines for bread and queuing for essential doctor appointments.

Pressure on the island intensified last week when the U.S. government announced additional economic sanctions targeting Cuba's state-run bank. Washington justified the move by pointing to the institution's ties to Iran, a key rival of the United States in the region.

President Trump addressed the situation directly during a campaign rally in South Florida on Friday. He remarked, "We'll take care of Cuba on our way back from Iran," referencing the deployment of U.S. Navy warships near the Strait of Hormuz. The President then described a specific scenario for the transition of power. "Those beautiful ships will pass Cuba. We'll have one of them stop about 50 yards off the coast. They'll raise up their hands, and then we're going to send Marco Rubio in to finish up the deal," he said.

The Cuban government has rejected the new rhetoric. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla responded on X on Friday, stating that the island rejects any threats stemming from U.S. ambitions toward Cuba. He added that while the coastline is lined with beautiful beaches, it is also rugged and inhospitable to those who arrive with hostile intentions and a desire for domination.

The explicit invitation for a partnership with an intelligence agency raises questions about the mechanics of this new approach. While the administration frames it as a response to domestic dissatisfaction, the direct involvement of the CIA in encouraging political transition marks a distinct departure from previous strategies that relied more heavily on economic pressure alone.